Do it Yourself: Foam safe option when cleaning gutters

Thursday

Ask any homeowner what their least favorite do-it-yourself project is, and most of the time they will quickly reply that it is cleaning the gutters.

First, it is dangerous to try to scoop out the debris while you are hanging from a ladder. Second, there is the problem of what to do with all of that gunky debris. Yet cleaning gutters is important because it can prevent flooding in your basement.

There are a number of gutter-protection systems available, but most involve complicated installation by professionals.

Finally, a do-it-yourself version of a gutter protection system is available at your local hardware store. Called GutterStuff, the product consists of 4-foot sections of a durable, lightweight outdoor polyether foam. You simply feed a section into standard gutter and slide it under the straps.

The foam will fit snugly. When you reach a corner, you make a mitre cut, using scissors or even a bread knife. This is the only instance in which you need any tools!

The foam is 97 percent air, which allows large volumes of water to flow through quickly, but it seals out leaves and other debris. One advantage of using it is that it prevents mosquitoes from breeding in your gutter. The foam filter insert includes a UV stabilizer and germicide. The material has been tested in the harshest weather conditions for the past few years with no failure in performance or durability. Once GutterStuff has been installed in your gutter, it is not visible. There are no high-profile screens or parts that can be seen.

Stop by your local hardware store to see how you can protect your home and your gutters affordably and effectively.